William Spry

1909-1917, Republican

The inauguration of William Spry took place on January 4, 1909. He served
two terms as governor from 1909 to 1917. He identified with a widespread
group of Utah citizens because as his campaign slogan said, he went from
"stableboy to governor." William did not come from wealth and privilege;
his father was a tailor and William worked hard for his accomplishments.
He became actively involved in politics, serving in the state legislature
from 1903 to 1905. He was elected chairperson of the Republican State
Committee in 1904 and appointed United States marshal in 1906. He pushed
himself to be a peace instigator between the Mormons and non-Mormons in
Utah. William Spry was the choice of the Republican leadership to run
for governor in 1909 because of his widespread support. Governor Cutler
lost the support of the Republican leadership for a second term to William
Spry because of a fear of loss to the American party and because Spry
was the more popular candidate. Without the needed support, Governor Cutler
was forced to withdraw from the race and give his support to Spry. Governor
Spry accomplished important political endeavors and faced difficult situations
during his terms in office.

During Governor Spry's terms
important social legislation was passed including: child labor laws, a
minimum wage and shorter working hours for women, county support for mothers
with dependent children, equal joint custody of children to husbands and
wives living together. He also appointed the Capitol Commission and persuaded
the Legislature to appropriate money to build the State Capitol. Prohibition
was a volatile issue during Spry's terms and eventually lead to loss of
support for a third term. While Governor Spry was campaigning, he supported
the "local option," local restriction as opposed to statewide restriction.
He kept his campaign promise and vetoed prohibition legislation he did
not consider balanced. This upset the more conservative "dry" supporters
of a statewide prohibition and eventually cost Spry support. Prohibition
remained a hot topic during both of his terms. Probably the most memorable
event during his service was the execution of Joe Hill. Joe Hill became
the martyr for the Industrial Workers of the World, who believed he was
framed for murder because of his socialist views. Governor Spry received
pleadings from many people, including the president of the United States,
asking him to stop the execution, but he was determined that Joe Hill
had received a fair trail and justice needed to be served. Because of
his refusal to stop the execution, he received death threats, but Governor
Spry refused to pardon Joe Hill.